Join our team and make a positive difference in your community! Community Advocates and the Milwaukee Women's Shelter are committed to ensuring that families and individuals in Milwaukee are able to meet their basic needs. Our belief is that advocacy is more than just helping families and individuals. Advocacy is also about building a community that empowers families and individuals to help themselves.
Position Title: Domestic Violence (DV) Housing Navigator
Reports To: Milwaukee Women’s Shelter Manager
Position Status: Full-Time, Non-exempt
Travel: 0-10%, Minimal Local Travel
Office Location: Milwaukee, WI 53215
Job Summary:
The Domestic Violence (DV) Housing Navigator provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered housing navigation and stabilization services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. This role supports survivors in securing and maintaining safe, stable housing by facilitating emergency transfers and coordinating placements in transitional housing and rapid rehousing programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
· Conduct comprehensive assessments, safety planning, and individualized housing service plans.
· Facilitate housing placement, including VAWA Emergency Transfers.
· Identify and secure housing opportunities; build landlord and property management relationships.
· Advocate for survivors facing housing barriers (e.g., credit, eviction, legal history).
· Provide housing stabilization support, including landlord mediation and lease compliance.
· Coordinate services with internal teams and external partners.
· Assist with access to emergency financial assistance and community resources.
· Maintain accurate documentation in HMIS and agency databases.
· Participate in case conferencing and coordinated entry processes.
· Deliver services using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
· Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field (or equivalent experience).
· Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience.
· Knowledge of Housing First, trauma-informed care, and domestic violence dynamics.
· Strong communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
· Pre-employment drug screening and background check required
Core Competencies
· Trauma-Informed Practice
· Housing Navigation & Systems Knowledge
· Advocacy & Negotiation
· Cultural Responsiveness
· Documentation & Compliance
· Collaboration & Teamwork
Physical Requirements
· Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
· Frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment.
· Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment
· Combination of office, shelter, and community-based settings.
· Regular travel within Milwaukee County required.
· May involve exposure to crisis situations; requires the ability to remain calm and responsive.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Community Advocates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Community Advocates compensation package includes eligibility for health, life, short & long term disability insurance, employee-paid dental and vision; a 401(k) plan, Flexible Spending Accounts (dependent and medical) and generous paid benefit time.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
